Review: The Internship (2013)

Some may say that at this is not the best time to make a film about the inner workings of search engine giant Google and its optimistic staff. You would be right, The Internship is a film that could certainly have been timed better. The film is all the things that often trips up comedies, it is predictable and offers nothing new at all and yet there is something cheery about the whole flawed affair.

The plot follows the Dodgeball mode very closely and, despite not being as laugh-a-minute, this is probably Vaughn’s best film since Wedding Crashers. Which was in fact the last time Vaughn and Owen Wilson teamed up. If you are expecting that level of raunchiness, you’ll be let down. Although if you come in ready to take this feel good throwback for what it is, you’ll have some genuine laughs and come away pleased. The narrative is predictable from the first frame; you are able to tell the story ahead of time. There are no shocks here, nor are there any bouts of bedazzling originality. There are some things from Jim Carrey’s comic catalogue here, somethings from Dodgeball-like sports comedies and generally sprinklings of most buddy comedies out there.

What makes it all work though, in spite of the occasional stereotypical character constructions (strict Asian mother) and annoying colloquialisms, is the chemistry of the leading cast. The chemistry is effortless and appealing between Vaughn and Wilson, who delightfully spout constant uncool references and showcase their underdog tendencies. Their group of outcasts including optimistic team leader Lyle (Josh Brener), the phone staring Stuart (Dylan O’Brien), nerd kink lover Nehra (Tiya Sircar) and the home schooled Yo-Yo (Tobit Raphael) are built not to succeed. Therefore you know the rest but this group is an appealing core to the film. They are likable characters and well portrayed and in spite of all that you can tear this film apart for, it is enjoyable.

There were many sequences that stood out (the dance bar sequence in particular), even though the start is slow and the script lacks freshness. The John Goodman, Will Farrell and Sergey Brin cameos are nice touches and overall the film has laughter. The laughs raised are genuine and the atmosphere is welcoming. It may be a two hour-long advert for the harmony of Google but it is still a very fun feel good picture. This comedy is certainly flawed but chemistry, charisma and fun can go a long way. Critics may minimize but it is worth a view.